Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever: what’s the difference?

Golden Retrievers and Labradors are both great family pets and loyal working companions, but how do you know which is which?

These popular dog breeds can have honey-coloured coats, and as they are similar in size and have totally paw-some personalities, many people find it hard to tell the difference between a Labrador vs Golden Retriever.

Here, we take a detailed look at these pups, from the peaks of their energy levels to the tips of their wagging tails, so that dog lovers and pet parents alike can become experts in the Golden Retriever vs Labrador debate. 

Golden Retriever vs Labrador similarities

These beloved sporting dogs have lots in common, from a shared history as hunting retrievers to adoring family pets. Anyone who has lived with a retriever will be well-accustomed to the ways of these sneaky sock-stealers, with unattended shoes and dirty clothes going walkabouts left, right, and centre. It makes sense when you think about a retriever’s history - both Labradors and Golden Retrievers were bred to, well, retrieve, so if you’re thinking about getting one of these pups, get ready for them to mess with your Feng Shui. 

Labs and Goldens certainly have a penchant for dirty socks but they also enjoy digging in the dirt and rolling in mucky puddles, so their gorgeous coats might not stay clean for long! These lively fellas need sufficient mental and physical stimulation - they enjoy training just as much as zoomies, so make sure you’ve got room for both. It’s also super important to take these retrievers out on long walks as often as possible, and they won’t be shy of dipping their toes in a body of water, either! 

Labradors and Golden Retrievers make excellent family dogs, in fact, they thrive in households that will adore them just as much as they adore you. They are gentle with small children and get on well with other furry friends, and will always prefer to be the centre of attention rather than left out in the cold. But what’s the difference between a Golden Retriever and a Labrador Retriever?

Golden Retriever vs Labrador 

As a quick rule of thumb, Labradors are generally bigger and stockier than Golden Retrievers. They have shorter coats and wider snouts, and although both can have golden-coloured fur, only Labradors can be black. Both breeds are known to be energetic, but Labradors have a real sprightly streak. Read on to find out more!

Golden Retriever vs Labrador differences

First of all, we know they look like they’re from the same family, but Golden Retrievers are not related to the Labrador Retriever. In fact, they come from opposite sides of the world! Labrador Retrievers were first bred in the 1800s in Newfoundland, Canada. They emerged as descendants of the St. John’s water dog and were commonly used by fishermen as working companions. Golden Retrievers originated in 17th-century Scotland, a long way from Canada! Dudley Marjoribanks, later known as Lord Tweedmouth, wanted a breed that would be accustomed to the rough terrain and unpredictable weather of the Scottish Highlands, so he crossed a Yellow Retriever with a Tweed Water Spaniel, giving us the breed that later became the Golden Retriever. 

Let’s take a look at the other main differences between a Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever, from appearance and size to training and temperament. 

Golden Retriever vs Labrador appearance

While pups of the same breed can come in all shapes and sizes, the key to distinguishing between Labs and Goldens is in their appearance. Labradors are usually heavier set with deeper chests and a more rounded ribcage than a Golden Retriever. They have wide snouts (all the better to boop you with) and pointy tails which act as a rudder when they’re swimming. Golden Retrievers are a little more elegant and poised, with long, narrow snouts and a fluffy rear end. The main difference between a Golden versus Labrador Retriever though, is in the coat. 

Golden Retriever vs Labrador coats and grooming

Although both retrieving breeds have double coats, both the Labrador and Golden Retriever are very different in the fluffy regions. Bred to be hunting dogs, a Golden Retriever’s coat is medium in length, with a bramble-and-water-resistant top coat and a dense, soft undercoat. Unlike Labs, Golden Retrievers have feathering around the neck, legs and tail, and can be creamy beige, golden honey, or red in colour. Labradors, on the other hand, were bred to be water dogs so their yellow, chocolate, or black coloured coats are made to protect them from ice-cold water. They have a thick, soft undercoat which insulates their skin and an oily top coat which is practically waterproof (even so, they can still get pretty chilly in cold water!).

All that talk about their floof, but what happens when it’s all over your floor? As double-coated doggies, Labs and Goldens shed pretty consistently throughout the year, and shedding season can get particularly hairy. Although both breeds need to be groomed all year round to keep their coats looking spick and span, Goldens really take the hair-shedding biscuit. They should be brushed every few days during shedding season, and need to be bathed more regularly than Labs, who can get away with just a weekly grooming session.

Golden Retriever vs Labrador training

As retrievers at heart, Goldens and Labs are both highly intelligent working doggies that benefit from being trained from a young age. They are extremely sociable pooches, so they should be introduced to everyone in the household (including other furry friends) as early as possible. They will master basic skills such as learning to swim and walking up the stairs quicker than you can say squirrel, and at six months old, you’ll want to start training your four-legged friend to walk on the lead and follow your commands. It’s no wonder these obedient little learners make excellent service dogs!

Golden Retriever vs Labrador size

Labradors are generally a little bit bigger than Goldens, measuring between 21.5 and 24.5 inches, and weighing 55 to 80 pounds. Smaller Golden Retrievers are generally 21.5 to 24 inches in height and weigh 55 to 75 pounds.

Golden Retriever vs Labrador temperament

Both Goldens and Labs have extremely agreeable temperaments - they are social butterflies that would make friends with everyone if they could. This probably explains why the Labrador has been dubbed the most popular breed by the AKC since 1991, with the Golden Retriever following hot on its tail at number four. But if you’re thinking of adding a new furry friend to the pack, it’s important to know who you’ll be welcoming into your household. 

Labs will keep you on your toes with their energy and zest for life, so the Labrador is the dog for you if you lead an active life that your pooch can fit right into. Swipe right for this pooch if you’re looking for a companion who is happy to work alongside you on a farm or as a hunting dog. Labradors really have the whole package - they are friendly, outgoing, and great with the kids. But let’s not forget the ray of sunshine that is the Golden Retriever! Just as fun-loving as their Lab friends, Goldens are laid-back, gentle pups that will smother you with adoration and affection. 

But if you retrieve anything from this article, it should be that both Labs and Goldens need to be surrounded by a family just as loving as they are. While they make great family pets, they are not the kind of doggies that should be left at home alone for too long. If you have to go away, be sure to get an experienced dog sitter to keep your retriever’s tail wagging!